White House lockdown lifted after gunman opens fire near grounds, Secret Service responds

WASHINGTON, DC: A tense security situation unfolded near the White House on Saturday, May 23, after a gunman allegedly armed with a pistol opened fire close to the executive mansion. The incident triggered an immediate lockdown of the complex and a rapid response from US Secret Service agents on duty.

Authorities moved quickly to secure the perimeter as movement around Pennsylvania Avenue NW was restricted. The White House was placed under a brief lockdown as security teams assessed the threat and worked to contain the situation near 17th Street.

Officials later confirmed that the lockdown was lifted once the situation was brought under control and normal operations inside the complex resumed.

Secret service agents return fire after shots near white house

Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reported that the incident took place around 6 pm local time when the suspect allegedly fired about three shots toward White House grounds. The sudden gunfire prompted an immediate tactical response from security personnel stationed nearby.

A senior administration official with direct knowledge of the situation reportedly said Secret Service agents immediately returned fire during the exchange. The confrontation escalated within moments as agents moved to neutralize the threat and secure the surrounding area.

The suspect did not make it inside the general perimeter surrounding the White House. Security teams quickly established control points to ensure the executive mansion remained protected throughout the incident.

Witnesses in the area reported agents moving across the grounds with weapons drawn as reporters nearby were instructed to take cover. The situation inside the press area turned tense as staff were directed into the James S Brady Press Briefing Room inside the West Wing.

Secret Service officers were heard shouting “get down,” as members of the press were rushed into secure areas. Officials later confirmed that all Secret Service personnel involved in the response were safe.

Civilian injured as chaos unfolds near eisenhower executive office building

The exchange of gunfire reportedly left at least one civilian injured in the vicinity of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. A senior administration official said a person standing on the street was struck during the incident, though further details on their condition were not immediately released.

Witnesses described hearing a far higher number of shots than initially reported, with some accounts suggesting as many as 30 rounds fired during the chaotic moments near the White House complex.

The sudden escalation led to panic in the surrounding area as security teams locked down access points and cleared pedestrians. The zone around the executive offices was placed under strict control as the situation unfolded.

Despite the intensity of the exchange, officials stressed that the suspect never breached the secured perimeter of the White House, which remained protected throughout the incident.

FBI joins response as Kash Patel confirms federal agents on scene

FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that federal agents were deployed to assist in the response following the shooting near White House grounds.

Patel said FBI personnel were supporting Secret Service teams on site, stating: “FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we’re able.”

The incident drew national attention due to its proximity to one of the most heavily secured government sites in the United States. Security protocols were activated immediately, underscoring the speed of response required for threats near the executive mansion.

Officials emphasized that coordinated security measures worked as intended to contain the situation and prevent any breach of the White House perimeter.